Lucy Hale was one of the first to hit the red carpet at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards #VMA on Sunday evening (August 24) at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

As host of the MTV VMAs pre-show, the ‘Pretty Little Liars’ kick-started the night in a flirty fuchsia and black cocktail dress, before changing into this more dramatic ensemble.

The Sachin & Babi Spring 2014 black leather-inspired halter top perpetuated the cropped trend, most recently seen at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards. But, rather than echo the runway’s sheer look, she wore a slightly sweeter, floral-printed full skirt by Zimmerman.

Of course, plenty of edge was worked into this little number, with peekaboo grommet-like seaming throughout the skirt, styled with a few knuckle rings and silver sandals.

Keeping your locks under control in the humid weather has never been easy; however, Nina Dobrev, Lucy Hale and Shay Mitchell found the perfect solution for their red carpet looks at the Teen Choice Awards: braided ponytails.

Last year braids were worn as tight and as sleek as possible, whereas this spring braids are going to be the complete opposite as this trend is more laidback and relaxed, reliving the romantic medieval style.

Opting for long, chunky, messy and romantic braids shows a much more youthful approach to a classic updo.

Other stars who have championed the messy, romantic braid this year, during Cannes, include Blake Lively and Eva Longoria.

Here’s how to create the look.

Create a side part and add texture with a wide-barrel curling iron, making sure to curl from the top. Lightly tease hair at the crown, then split your hair into two sections.

Keeping your hair on the side of the part, begin to braid by pulling a bit of hair from the outside of one section over to the centre of the other section, then repeat for the other side and continue until your braid is the desired length.

Once you’ve reached the bottom, fasten the braid with an elastic. Loosen the braid by lightly tugging on outer sections throughout.

The actress wore a Dior fit-and-flare dress sculpted from vibrant red duchess satin with a lustrous sheen and a plunging neckline.

I can’t say her Brian Atwood ‘Abell’ sandals are my favourite, but they do punch up this sweet offering, which was also accessorized with a MICHAEL Michael Kors clutch, and a selection of jewels from EF Collection, Dana Rebecca Designs, Graziela Gems and Melinda Maria.

A braided ponytail with face-framing tendrils completed her fiery look.